The unique structure, function, and chemistry of cellulose in nature has lead to many technological applications for this material. The focus of this study is to evaluate woven cellulose based structures as biologically inspired origami (BIO)scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. Two types of cellulose scaffolds were prepared from woven cellulose based fabric and tissue paper. Unmodified cellulose and cellulose scaffolds modified with a mixed chitosan-gum Arabic-hydroxyapatite coating were prepared, cross-linked, sterilized and characterized via electron microscopy, swelling characteristics, and cell culture using MC3T3-E1 mouse preosteoblast cells. MC3T3-E1 cells adapted favorably to the cellulose based scaffolds and were observed to remain attached on the tissue scaffolds for over 28 days. Similar cells plated on the mixed chitosan-gum Arabic-hydroxyapatite coating phase typically adhered for about 14 days before detaching. The architecture and chemistry of the cellulose scaffold enhanced cell attachment and persistence. (Acknowlegement of funding - NSF DMR 0645675)